Friends of the Panaewa Zoo

Friends of the Panaewa Zoo On the "Big Island" of Hawai’i, this 12-acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S.

Located on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, this 12 acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. It is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered Nene (Hawaii State Bird) and two Bengal Tiger, Tzatziki and Sriracha. The links on the left will take you to interesting information on many of the Zoo's animal exhibits.

The day is used to make necessary repairs, finish some of the ongoing projects, and begin new ones without endangering z...
03/04/2025

The day is used to make necessary repairs, finish some of the ongoing projects, and begin new ones without endangering zoo guests. Sometimes, heavy equipment is required in the zoo to accomplish the required results. The time is also used for maintaining walkways throughout the zoo to make them safe for our guests.

02/15/2025

This Valentine’s Day, we’re here to remind you that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Let’s celebrate the beauty of finding a match that's just right, even if it means scavenging a bit! 💘

We’re swinging into celebration mode again because someone just turned the big 3-0! 🎂🎈Happy birthday to one of our black...
02/12/2025

We’re swinging into celebration mode again because someone just turned the big 3-0! 🎂🎈Happy birthday to one of our black-handed spider monkeys, Kiley!

Watch these spider monkeys in action and you might see where the “spider” part of their name comes from.🕷️ Spider monkeys use their strong, lengthy tail as a 5th appendage to fully support their body weight as they hang, climb, and gather snacks (because who doesn’t love a hands-free way to grab a treat?). Their disproportionately long, spindly limbs resemble spider legs as they swing around. While spider monkeys aren’t actually spiders, they do eat them. 😱

Happy ✨sweet 16✨ to our shaggy gal, Keoki-Anne! We’re popping with excitement to celebrate her special day. Her keepers ...
02/10/2025

Happy ✨sweet 16✨ to our shaggy gal, Keoki-Anne!

We’re popping with excitement to celebrate her special day. Her keepers threw her a birthday party complete with a special cake and popcorn-themed enrichment. Her roommate, Chandler, got in on the fun, too. (See video attached in comments). 😋🎂

02/06/2025
02/06/2025

After a successful first year, we are again offering “Snooze at the Zoo,” a fun sleepover event at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens for keiki 9-10 years old. Spots are limited! Call 808-961-8681 to be part of this fun-filled adventure!

➡️There’s a mandatory parent/guardian meeting on Wednesday, February 13 at 6 p.m. at Aunty Sally’s in Hilo.

🗓️Event dates are Tuesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19

💵The cost is $50, which includes Tuesday’s dinner and snacks; Wednesday’s breakfast snack and lunch; and a T-shirt.

01/31/2025

The zoo will be closed the rest of today due to high winds and power outages.

01/30/2025

The WILL be open Thursday, Feb. 6 🐅 !

Typically, the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is closed the first Thursday of each month for ReZOOvenation day, but due to our staff schedule this month we will be open Thursday, Feb. 6, 10a-4p 🤙🤙 Mahalo!

Happy Lunar New Year! 🐍 🎉 2025 is the year of the snake— the symbol of wisdom, grace, and intuition. Sssslither into the...
01/29/2025

Happy Lunar New Year! 🐍 🎉

2025 is the year of the snake— the symbol of wisdom, grace, and intuition. Sssslither into the New Year with prosperity, happiness, and great adventures, and scale up your celebrations with us at the Zoo! 🎍

Pictured: Jake Da Snake the boa constrictor

01/07/2025

Happy New Year from everyone at the Zoo! We’re leaping into the new year with excitement! Let’s all climb to new heights in 2025. ✨🐾

Happy National Bird Day!  Let’s show love and care for our feathered friends who bring joy to our lives!  🕊️🦅🦆🦢🦉🦚🦜
01/05/2025

Happy National Bird Day! Let’s show love and care for our feathered friends who bring joy to our lives! 🕊️🦅🦆🦢🦉🦚🦜

12/28/2024

Happy 6th week on Earth to our baby sloth! 🦥

Did you know, baby sloths can start eating solid foods as early as 1 week after birth? Mama sloths start introducing their young to leaves early so they learn which ones are safe to eat. As you can see from the video, Karrie's baby is definitely enjoying her schooling as a little taste tester 🌿🤤

Seasons Greetings to all!  🎄❤️🎁🎀Here's to a season of love, laughter and unforgettable memories!!
12/26/2024

Seasons Greetings to all! 🎄❤️🎁🎀

Here's to a season of love, laughter and unforgettable memories!!

12/14/2024

The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is taking precautionary steps to protect its animals following the recent detection of avian influenza (bird flu) in a wastewater sample on Hawai‘i Island.

“These precautionary steps are intended to protect our animals, staff, volunteers, and guests,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “In addition to adhering to these guidelines, we also ask the public to help with monitoring and report occurrences of multiple or unusual illnesses in birds, livestock or other animals on Hawaiʻi Island to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture.”

The Pana‘ewa Rainfortest Zoo & Gardens, owned and operated by the County of Hawaiʻi, is home to nearly 300 animals, including 75 individual birds representing 29 bird species.

“In the zoo profession, we are always preparing for biosecurity events like the bird flu,” said Zoo Administrator Mindy Runnells. “Many cleaning and disinfecting protocols that we already have in place are designed to prevent illness. This is just adding some steps as a safety precaution.”

The zoo announces these changes.

• The Petting Zoo will not have birds available for visiting.
• The zoo is not accepting animal donations.

The zoo is also considering other measures, such as the installation of additional mesh and roof structures in aviaries and other animal habitats to decrease contact with wild birds.

Zoo visitors and the public are kindly asked to follow these guidelines:

• Do not come into contact with the birds at the zoo. Please stay on pathways and in front of barriers.
• Footwear is required inside the zoo.
• Do not visit the zoo if you are not feeling well.
• Do not feed any items to any animals at the zoo.
• Do not drop off chickens, turkeys, ducks, peacocks or other birds at the zoo.

The risk to the public from bird flu remains low, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. However, bird flu can cause severe impacts to certain bird populations.

For the full announcement, including avian influenza resources and links, see the link below: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3845/16 #!/

Address

800 Stainback Highway
Hilo, HI
.POBOX738,KEEAU,HAWAII.96749

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